9 nutritionists share what they eat when they're stressed

Let's be real: No matter how healthy you look look on Instagram, EVERYONE has that emergency stash of Ben and Jerry's or nachos stowed away for when life gets stressful.

Stress eating happens to everyone — even nutritionists. But unlike us mere mortals, nutritionists and registered dietitians (R.Ds) tend to have slightly healthier stress-eating go-tos that we all could learn from. Because the last thing you want when life gets hectic is to have a serious case of bloating from that plate of cheese fries on top of all the stress.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

1Salted nuts

Getty Images

'I almost always crave something crunchy, so I feel okay indulging in lightly-salted or cinnamon- or cocoa-dusted walnuts or almonds. Nuts are a source of magnesium, which may help with irritability, plus I get a dose of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. I also love frozen grapes because they take a while to eat and are a sweet, antioxidant-rich distraction.' —Marisa Moore, R.D.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2Ice cream

Getty Images

'I try not to stress eat, but if I do, it's frozen yogurt or ice cream for me. Rainbow sprinkles are my favorite topping. Fortunately, with new lower-calorie, lower-sugar, higher-protein ice creams, my guilty pleasure is less guilty.' —Lauren Harris-Pincus, R.D., author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3Porridge

Getty Images

'When I’m stressed, I try to reach for foods I know will help me fight stress despite the temptation to reach for unhealthy ones that give the sweet-salty tooth a quick hit. Steel-cut oatmeal is super comforting and a good source of complex carbs that increases the production of serotonin, a mood-boosting brain chemical.' —Keri Glassman, R.D.

'Let’s be honest — I could snack on baby carrots or bell pepper sticks, but it just won't satisfy my desire for salty and sweet! That's why one of my favourite foods to eat when I'm stressed out are chocolate-covered nuts or chocolate-covered roasted chickpeas. When I'm stressed I tend to want something to crunch on, plus they’re a filling combo thanks to their fibre, protein, and fat content.' —Jessica Levinson, R.D, culinary nutrition expert

'Biting down on something crunchy helps when I’m stressed out, so I love to chew on raw baby carrots paired with a tablespoon or two of almond butter. Bonus: Almonds are a good source of magnesium, which naturally calms you down and helps fight anxiety.' —Brigitte Zeitlin, R.D.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

8Pistachios

Getty Images

'It's far too easy to mindlessly eat when I’m stressed, so I try and remember to take my time. I like pistachios because they are in a shell, which forces me to slow down while snacking. The empty shells are also a visual cue that lets me know how much I've actually eaten.' —Alexandra Caspero, R.D.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9Leafy greens

Getty Images

'It might sound weird, but given that your brain really needs good nutrition to operate at its best, I’m actually most likely to take a good look at my diet and see what might be missing to eat more healthfully when I’m stressed. Usually I’ll find that I’m not eating enough produce, so I’ll try to make sure I’m getting at least seven servings of fruits and veggies, especially leafy green veggies like spinach and kale, since they’re packed with folate to help balance mood.' —Karen Ansel, R.D., author of The Calendar Diet